Japan Air Self-Defense Force Flies First Humanitarian Mission Into Iraq

By Maj. Dave Honchul
United States Central Command

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Qatar, March 4, 2004 -- The Japan air self-defense force flew its first humanitarian mission into Iraq as part of coalition air forces, landing at Tallil Air Base on March 3.

While self defense forces have previously conducted humanitarian deployments to other locations in the world, this is the first time Japanese airmen have deployed to a conflict zone since the end of World War II.

Flying from an undisclosed air base in Southwest Asia, the Japanese C-130 carried 5,000 pounds of supplies for the Iraqi people. This first shipment consisted of medical materials, school supplies and soccer balls.

"We are very proud to do this mission," said Col. Tadashi Miyagawa, JASDF airlift coordinator here. "The JASDF has been doing the same kinds of missions as peacekeeping operations, but this mission is special for us."

Once at Tallil, U.S. and Japanese airmen took the cargo from the C-130 and loaded it aboard trucks from the Japanese ground self-defense force. The ground forces will distribute the humanitarian supplies within Iraq.

Officials welcomed the participation from the newest coalition partner.

"What sets this air operations center apart from others is that we are truly a Combined Air Operations Center," said Maj. Gen. Robert Elder, deputy combined forces air component commander. "I'm thrilled to have the JASDF as part of the coalition team, and so is our commander, (Lt. Gen. Walter) Buchanan. They bring a wealth of experience with them from their peacekeeping operations. We value them as a coalition partner, and we look forward to their continued contributions to our collective efforts in the reconstruction of Iraq."

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